Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2020 shares
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 27, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-15885
Entity Registrant Name	MATERION CORPORATION
Local Phone Number	486-4200
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, no par value
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	OH
Entity Tax Identification Number	34-1919973
Entity Address, Address Line One	6070 Parkland Blvd
Entity Address, City or Town	Mayfield Heights
Entity Address, State or Province	OH
City Area Code	216
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	44124
Entity Central Index Key	0001104657
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	MTRN
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	20,309,846
Security Exchange Name	NYSE